MELA CARNIVAL

Carnival Parade

Carnival Parade

WHEN 17 August 2024
WHERE Belfast City Centre

Our Mela parade returns for its 3rd year as it weaves its way through the heart of the city centre in a fabulous fusion of colour, music and dance.

Get your best dance moves at the ready!
Carnival Parade

Carnival Parade

The parade will leave at 12.30pm moving along Donegal Street, onto Bridge Street before making its way to High Street onto Castle Place and Donegal Place and then ending at City Hall. The best viewing points for the parade are on Royal Avenue/Donegal Place.

Road Closures

There will be rolling road closures along the carnival parade route between 11.40am and 1pm. Diversions will be in place on roads and streets that intersect this route.

People Powered

We are taking steps to ensure future Melas are as green as possible. Almost everything in the parade is people-powered – pushed, pulled, wheeled, and walked – different to many parades which rely on vehicles. Parade props created with community groups are made from environmentally friendly materials and are able to be recycled.

Community Groups

As part of Mela Carnival we will have an opportunity for community groups across Belfast and beyond to take part in a free workshop programme to make spectacular props and costume for the parade. If you would like to sign up to take part in the parade contact us here and a member of our team will be in touch.

Performance Groups

Do you perform in the community and want to showcase your group in the parade? We would love for you to join us in one of the largest carnival parades ever to take place in the city through performance and arts showcases. If you would like to sign up to take part in the parade fill out our registration form here  and a member of our team will be in touch.

Colour Procession

Be part of our colour procession and walk the route with us while throwing colourful powders in a party atmopshere among friends. Simply register to take part here and come along on the day, dressed in white, to recieve your free pack of colours and help us create a colour frenzy across the city centre like never seen before!

Take Part

Help us bring Mela Carnival to life and work with our creative team to produce a wonderful world of music, dance and art.

Find out more

Creative Collaborators

Our carnival parade is created with artists, communities and creative organisations right across the island of Ireland to produce an inclusive celebration for all to enjoy

Find out more